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Hurricane the storm is projected to escalate to a rare highest-level cyclone as it turns in the direction of Jamaica, bringing deadly sudden floods and mudslides.

This weather system, which had winds of up to 195 km/h as of 6:00 AM GMT, is now shifting north-west in the Caribbean Sea and is anticipated to reach land by midweek, based on data from weather experts.

Alerts of blackouts and disruption to utilities have been released as the hurricane brings up to thirty inches of rainfall and storm surges as high as 4m above ground. "Find safe refuge immediately," residents have been advised.

The cyclone is the thirteenth cyclone in the ongoing Atlantic season, which normally finishes in late autumn.

Most Intense Storm Danger

A Category 5 cyclone is the strongest type, with winds of at least 157 miles per hour.

While this storm is expected to reduce in intensity to a fourth-level cyclone before arriving at the island, authorities said there was "very little practical difference in the overall impacts" upon landfall, and that the storm will be "equally strong" when it hits the country.

Immediate Safety Steps

With tropical storm-level wind and rainfall anticipated well in advance long before it passes over Jamaica's central region - perhaps encompassing the city of Kingston - alerts indicate that "safety measures need to be finalized quickly".

"Several days of destructive gusts and torrential rain have begun and will cause catastrophic and life-threatening rapid water accumulation and numerous rock slides," urged meteorological officials.

The country's head of government the statesman stated: "I understand that there are many Jamaicans who are concerned, who are deeply troubled, and rightfully so: concern is justified.

"But the optimal approach to handle anxiety and any apprehension and worry is to remain prepared."

Residents are being instructed to fortify their houses with sandbags and plywood sheets, and to stock up on necessary supplies.

Regional Consequences

Warnings are also in effect for regions of the neighboring country encompassing the main city, Port au Prince, the neighboring country and Cuba's eastern region, where Melissa is projected to bring analogous consequences by the middle portion of the coming week.

Mudslides already being caused by the hurricane have already killed two in Haiti, according to emergency services.

Future Course

The hurricane is projected to pass over Cuba by midweek before moving through the Antillas Mayores and emerging into the Atlantic Ocean.

By the time it makes contact with Cuba, it is predicted to have weakened to a third-level cyclone.

Climate Background

While it is challenging to link particular meteorological occurrences to global warming, experts say it is making weather phenomena more common and more extreme.

Warmer oceans produce additional humidity in the environment, helping fuel the formation of tropical cyclones.

Ahead of the start of this year's Caribbean cyclone season, weather organizations projected higher-than-average occurrence, mentioning heated marine conditions and likely enhanced seasonal rains around African coastal regions - where Atlantic storms often form.